module specification

This module focuses on bridging accounting theory and business practice. In relation to accounting it examines both accounting disciplines- Financial and Management accounting.
Particular emphasis will be on research and students being able to work individually.
A list of areas from three themes will be available to students: International Financial Accounting Rules and Regulations, Management Accounting Techniques and Business & Ethics.
Students will individually write reports and present. Module barred with Current Issues in Accounting & Finance.
 

Complete levels 4 & 5.

1. To provide a platform for students to undertake research, present and produce more detailed reports which are analytical encompass critical evaluation.

2. To enhance the student research skill. In particular to appreciate the different forms of research, being able to collect data, interpret it and apply it to their chosen theme/work. This forms part of their personal development portfolio as well has contributing towards improving their C.V.

3. To develop and enhance individual student learning (and confidence), embedding time management and quality production of presentations and reports to promote employability.

4. To establish explicit contacts between theoretical approaches to the development of accounting theory and practice in financial reporting.

5. To develop student’s knowledge and critical understanding of the theoretical models, analytical methods and practical aspects of management accounting in a competitive business environment.

1. The contribution of the theoretical approaches to research in financial and management accounting.

2. Alternative approaches to financial reporting, such as Corporate Governance and  Environmental Reporting

3. Management accounting techniques such as  Capital Investment Appraisal Issues,  Implementing ABC and  The Balanced Scorecard

4. Business Research Methodology

5. Primary and Secondary Research

6. There is no prescribed syllabus for the project element of the module. Students will select areas of financial or management accounting to conduct research and prepare for the presentations and write ups.

The project segment will have plenary sessions delivered by the Academic Liaison Librarians and the Careers and Employability Service to introduce the use of research strategies and to focus on the development of effective employability skills. Presentations will take place in workshops.

Plenary sessions will be delivered by the Academic Liaison Librarians and the Careers and Employability Service to introduce the use of research strategies and to focus on the relevance of module learning, teaching and assessment strategies to the development of effective employability skills, including CV writing and the types of aptitude testing used by accounting employers.

Weeks 1 – 12  (excluding Week 7 activity week )  there will be 3 hour sessions, comprising of 1.5 hour lecture and 1.5 hour seminar covering areas in section 13, above.  Weeks 13 and 14 will have 1 hour plenary sessions and presentations will take place in Weeks 16 and 17, 19 and 21-24 (presentations).  Week 25- writing workshops.  Week 20 will be an activity week and Weeks 15, 18 and 22 will be preparation weeks. Reports handed in on week 30.

On completion of this module, a successful student should be able to:

1. Articulate the alternative approaches to the development of accounting theory and practice and critically assess their impact on current reporting practices by UK PLC’s.

2. Critique the current debates in financial reporting, both within the UK and Internationally.

3. Apply theoretical concepts to recommend and defend management accounting practices used by firms in different industries.

4. Understand and appreciate the differences between UK Management Accounting systems and methods and those used internationally.

5. Use primary and/or secondary research to relate, assess and evaluate accounting and business topics for the purpose or presentation and report production.

6. Produce competent and polished presentations for the seminar to peers and assessors, enhancing skills necessary for employability, such as answering questions and contributing to discussions and enhancing C.V’s.

7. Develop competencies such as time management, punctuality, appropriate body language and independent study.

The assessment strategy will focus on academic writing and presentation skills.

Essay -20%. Two 10 minute presentations and contribution- 40% weighting. 1 presentation written up as a report,(2000 words) and a reflective statement.

Elliott, Barry and Elliott, Jamie, 2008, Financial Accounting and Reporting, FT Prentice Hall, 12th edition

Dunn, John, 2010, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Wiley, 1st edition

Melville, Alan, 2008, International Financial Reporting, FT Prentice Hall, 1st edition

Alexander, David, Britton, Anne and Jorissen, Ann, 2009 International Financial Reporting and Analysis, Thomson, 4th edition

Drury, Colin, 2008, Cost and Management Accounting, South-Western Cengage Learning, 7th edition

Horngren, C.T., Bhimani, A, Datar, S and Foster, G. 2007, Management and Cost Accounting 4th edition, Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

Business ethics text book TBC

Saunders, Mark, Thornhill, Adrian and Lewis, Phillip, 2009, Research Methods for Business Students, 5th edition, FT Prentice Hall

Electronic Journals:
Journal of Management Accounting Research, available from Business Source Premier

Wiley IFRS : interpretation and application of International accounting and financial reporting standards, available from Business Source Premier

Electronic journal of business ethics and organization studies, available from the directory of Open Access Journals

Business ethics [electronic resource] a European review, available from Business Source Premier

The LMBS librarian team have developed this resource to assist with journal location: http://www.learning.londonmet.ac.uk/library/Glomaker/journals.html   
Link to CIMA: http://www.cimaglobal.com/Students/